U Ohn Kyaw, head of the Department of Buildings and Warehouses of Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC) said instructions have been issued to the respective departments to take action against errant drivers who failed to follow traffic rules.

He said that there was no escape as the cameras were installed strategically and are capable of having a wide-angle view of the roads.

These traffic cameras were installed during the last two fiscal years.

Officials from traffic police and municipal department are observing the situation daily from 7:30am to 7:30pm located at the four-storey Real Traffic Control Room in the municipal department.

“We are recording the particulars down of all errant drivers who commit traffic offences and will send their details to the respective traffic police departments. The information will be shared with the Road Transport Administration Department and drivers will have to pay a fine before they can renew their permits,” said U Ohn Kyaw.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said that 50 names have been submitted for action over the last three months.

The cameras are installed along 26th Street at junctions 66, 73, 78, 80, 30th Street at junctions 62, 66, 73, 78 and along 35th Street junctions 62, 66, 73, 77, 78, 80.

Cameras are also on the 78th Street at junctions 32, 36, 37, 38, 42 at the point where Theit Pan and Sagaing streets cross the Yangon-Mandalay Road.

The cameras can record the type of vehicles and car numbers with static photos as well as videos.

“Right now we need to watch the cameras personally. They do not have a recording device. We have plans to upgrade and install automatic recording cameras soon. We intend to install cameras at 10 more traffic lights next year,” said U Ohn Kyaw.

Ma Shwe Pyae Sone, staff engineer at the control centre, said cameras are fixed at certain angles but have a 360-degree view and with zoom features.

Road users will have to be cautious when they block roads when loading or unloading.

The cameras are also helpful during traffic jams that are caused by vehicle breakdowns.

“We are now recording details of offenders who have run red lights, driving the wrong way, making illegal U-turns, parking in restricted areas and those that do not park within designated areas. We are taking actions against those who drive in the centre median strips that are meant to be left vacant,” said Ma Shwe Pyae Sone.

– Translation by Khine Thazin Han and Swe Zin Moe